I've been following the story of Angus and Robertson's new supplier terms with interest after a client mentioned it to me a week or so ago. The terms are quite remarkable and it's not surprising to see the backlash against A&R.
The best response has been the reply written by Michael Rakusin, director of Sydney's Tower Books, sadly the only copy I've read is behind the Crikey subscriber wall so the link doesn't give the full detail.
The gem from Michael's letter is this line,
it would seem to me paramount to stop blaming suppliers for your misfortunes, trying ever harder to squeeze them to death, and actually focus on your core incompetencies in order to redress them.
Michael also makes the excellent point that trying to adopt department store and supermarket tactics to publishers might be a mistake for a bookseller given variety stores have a range of products while book stores only have one.
Personally I ceased to be amazed a long time ago at the sort of nonsense big business tries on, either as a customer or supplier. What I do find amazing is the 5% DAILY interest payment for late remittances. I hope that's not compounding as the Annual Percentage Rate maxed out my calculator.
What makes this letter priceless is the arrogance in it, particularly the closing line,
"If you would like to discuss this with me in more detail, I am delighted to confirm an appointment with you at .........for ten minutes at my office....."
Unbelievable.
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